Mass Exchange Flow Process in Side Channel Pumps: Effects of Different Geometrical Parameters

ABSTRACT The functionality of the side channel pumps (SCPs) mainly depends on the mass flow exchanged (MFE) between the rotary impeller and the static side channel (SC). This paper thoroughly explores this unique feature, the MFE, in a SCP under various suction and wrapping angles. Numerical simulations were conducted at different flow operating points to evaluate the MFE rate between the impeller and SC. To test the numerical setup, hydraulic test were conducted which incorporated different blade suction angles. Higher blade suction angles enhance mass exchange and lead to an increased number of circulations for all operating points. The number of circulations is higher in the impeller scheme 1 (IMP 1) than in impeller scheme 2 (IMP 2) at all operating points. At 0.6 Q/Q BEP , the number of circulations for IMP 1 is 1.24 times more than IMP 2. However, as the flow increases to 1.0 Q/Q BEP , the increment comes to 1.27 times more than IMP 2. Consequently, as circulations increase, so does efficiency. Similar trends were observed with different wrapping angles: decreasing the wrapping angle increased both the MFE and the circulation number. The results contribute to the basic knowledge of MFE and recirculation behaviour in SCP and provide a better scientific foundation for future modelling and experimental research.